Raleigh’s local music scene is booming with hot new sounds in a wide array of genres. Any night of the week anyone can grab a show, but when Friday nights roll around, the volume gets cranked up, and the music sets the sky on fire.
With hopes of hearing some hard rock, The Brewery will open its doors to host a newcomer to the heavy-metal scene.
Spitfire, heralding from Virginia, is pushing its way through Raleigh and promising an energetic performance.
Spitfire has returned after a four-year hiatus. The band features a quintet of musicians with a bassist, drummer, two main guitarists and one heavy-duty vocalist. The guitar lyrics of Ian Sabo and Matt Beck are matched to size with the screams of front man Jon Spencer. The technical drum beats of Chris Raines, along with bass from Dan Tulloh of Scarlet, pushes the sound. Scottie Henry, from metal group Norma Jean, also plays with Spitfire.
Its sound is rooted in the old ages of Metallica and Nine Inch Nails but set to an angry, manic tone. Spitfire’s metalcore sound is deceiving because it finds its influence not from political or social aspects but from the Bible.
Technically the music can be classified as Christian metal. Behind the shouted lyrics and forceful guitar rips is a foundation of Christian beliefs. Spitfire is coming to Raleigh to spread its sound, promote its latest album and bring new fans to their feet. “We’re only going to play new songs; kinda push the new album. We really like the new stuff,” Raines said.
The heavy sound comes from its new album Self-Help, recorded and engineered by Red Planet Studios. Its album release date is set for Feb. 28. Reviews of Self-Help describe the music as “enraged” and “fierce.”
An album review by ThePlaylist.net said, “This is an angry album and is fitting for anyone in the mood for a tantrum. The music leans toward the slower and sludgy side while still having a very hardcore and/or metalcore sound to it.”
The band is ready to give North Carolina a dose of intrinsic metal mixed with a flavor of speedy punk, whether the crowd is ready for it or not.
“It’s a different energy. With our kind of music, it’s easy to think the crowd doesn’t like you if they’re not moving,” Raines said. “We’re like, ‘OK they hate us,’ but you never know.”
Once the group feels the connection, it’s all downhill from there. “Knowing people dig it is the best part for me,” Raines said. “There is no better feeling in the world than having someone come up to you and tell you they like your music.”
The line up for The Brewery show will also feature Bloodjinn. The band will then travel to Charlotte to perform at the Tremont Music Hall, then Wilmington for a show at The Soapbox.
